Well Checks

Well Checks

The purpose of the well child visit is to help children and teens grow into healthy adults. Even when your child is well, be sure to bring them in for these check ups. These medical exams should start when a child is a few days old and continue until he or she is 21.

During your child’s first 2 years of life, there will be more frequent visits. During these well baby visits, you find out about your baby’s growth, weight gain, health and immunizations, as well as whether your baby is meeting normal developmental goals. Usually, a baby sees the pediatrician for a well baby visit a few days after birth, at about two weeks old and then at least once every two months during the first six months (at about 2, 4, and 6 months old). After this, it is recommended to have visits scheduled at 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months old. As your child grows, well child check ups should be scheduled about once a year.

Preventative Health Care Schedule

There are several schedules for routine well-child visits. One schedule, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is given below.

Preventing Fatigue and Exhaustion:
For many parents, the first weeks at home with a new baby are often challenging. You may feel overworked, maybe even overwhelmed. Inadequate sleep may leave you fatigued. Caring for a baby can be a lonely and stressful re...

Feeding:
Your baby is growing! At this age, a baby only needs breast milk or infant formula. If infants are strictly breast-fed it is recommended to supplement with Vitamin D drops. Please ask your provider for further information. Breast-fed babies ...

Feeding
At 1 month of age, your baby needs only breast milk or infant formula to grow healthy and strong. Breast-fed babies should usually feed about 10 minutes at each breast during each feeding. If you give your baby breast milk, it is a good idea...

Feeding
At this age, your baby needs only breast milk or infant formula to grow healthy and strong. At this age most babies take about 4 to 5 ounces of formula every 3 to 4 hours.
If you give your baby breast milk, it is a good idea to sometimes...

Feeding
Your baby should still be taking breast milk or infant formula. Most babies now take about 6 to 7 ounces every 4 to 5 hours. You can start water at the age of 4 to 6 months but should limit it to a few ounces each day.
If you give your baby...

Feeding
Your baby should continue to have breast milk or infant formula until he is 1 year old. Your baby may soon be ready for a cup although it will be messy at first. Try giving a cup sometimes to see if your baby likes it. Don't put your baby to...

Feeding
Your baby should continue to have breast milk or infant formula until 1 year of age. Babies at this age will eat 3 meals and 2 to 3 snacks each day. Encourage your child to drink milk and water from a cup now. This is a good time to begin weaning...

Nutrition
Table foods that are cut up into very small pieces are best now. Baby food is usually not needed at this age. It is important for your toddler to eat foods from many food groups (meats, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products). Most...

Nutrition
Toddlers should eat small portions from all food groups: meats, fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and cereals and grains. Your child should be learning to feed himself. He will use his fingers and maybe start using a spoon. This will...

Nutrition
Family meals are important for your baby. Let him eat with you. This helps him learn that eating is a time to be together and talk with others. Don't make mealtime a battle. Let your baby feed himself. Your child should use a spoon and drink...

Nutrition
Family meals are important for your child. Letting your child eat with you makes her feel like part of the family. Let your child feed herself. It is good to let your child help choose what foods to eat. Be sure to give her only nutritious...

Nutrition
Family meals are important for your child. They teach your child that eating is a time to be together and talk with others. Letting your child eat with you makes her feel like part of the family. Let your child feed herself. Your toddler...

Nutrition
Mealtime should be a pleasant time for the family. Your child should be feeding himself completely on his own now. Buy and serve healthy foods and limit junk foods. Your child will still have a daily snack. Choose and eat healthy snacks such...

Nutrition
Your child should always be a part of the family at mealtime. This should be a pleasant time for the family to be together and share stories and experiences. Give small portions of food to your child. If he is still hungry, let him have seconds....

Nutrition
Your child may enjoy helping to choose and prepare the family meals with supervision. Children watch what their parents eat, so set a good example. This will help teach good food habits. Mealtime should be a pleasant time for the family....

Nutrition
Having many or most meals together as a family is desirable. Mealtime is a great time to allow the child to tell you of her day, interests, concerns, and worries. Encourage your child to talk and listen to others at the table.
Balance good...

Nutrition
Having many or most meals together as a family is desirable. Mealtime is a great time to allow the child to tell you of her day, interests, concerns, and worries. Encourage your child to talk and listen to others at the table.
Balance good...

Nutrition
With supervision, your child may enjoy helping to choose and prepare the family meals. This will help teach him good food habits. Mealtime should be a pleasant time for the family. Keep healthy snacks on hand. Choose meals that have foods...

Nutrition
Mealtime is an important experience for a 9 year old. Use this time to discuss the events of the day and how your child is feeling.
Children watch what their parents eat, so set a good example. Choose meals that have foods from all food...

Nutrition
It is important for children to eat appropriate numbers of calories. High fat foods, sweets, and large portion sizes should be consumed in moderation. Parents set a good example by choosing healthy foods and appropriate portion sizes. Eat...